At the 2026 Social Science and Humanities Ideas Festival launch held at Singapore Management University, Minister for Education Desmond Lee announced that $556 million will be allocated over five years from FY2026 to FY2030 to strengthen Singapore’s social science and humanities research ecosystem. This represents a 21% increase, or $99 million more, compared to the $457 million set aside for FY2021 to FY2025, underscoring the Government’s continued commitment to advancing research and thought leadership in these fields.
The new funding tranche will support the Social Science Research Council in deepening locally relevant research and expanding the pool of promising Singaporean researchers. Through initiatives such as the Social Science Research Thematic Grant, the Social Science and Humanities Research Fellowship, and the Graduate Research Fellowship, the Council has funded 54 research projects, supported 21 early-career researchers, and backed 48 graduate-level projects to date. These projects explore key topics including shifting geopolitics, public housing in Singapore, and ageing-related issues, reflecting the breadth and relevance of the country’s research efforts.
The 2026 Ideas Festival, jointly organised by the Autonomous Universities, the University of the Arts Singapore, and research institutions, highlights the vibrancy of Singapore’s social science and humanities community. Supported by the Social Science Research Council, the festival runs from 26 February to 27 March 2026 and features 33 events involving more than 100 researchers. Discussions will address pressing themes such as mental wellbeing and adaptation to emerging technologies, showcasing collaborative efforts to better understand and respond to contemporary societal challenges.
